Banning books, ideologies cannot erase Kashmir’s history: Mirwaiz
Srinagar,: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, All Parties Hurriyat Conference senior leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has said that he strongly condemns the ban on books and the filing of cases against their authors under black laws.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, while talking to journalists in Srinagar, said restrictions do not work in a democratic society, be it on books, ideologies or organizations. He said the history of Kashmir cannot be erased or any part of history can be selected to suit a particular narrative.
He said that banning books or tightening the point of view cannot erase the facts. He said Kashmir has a history of five thousand years and the Kashmiris are proud of their cultural heritage, from the Buddhist era to Shaivism and Hindu traditions and then the Islamic era which shaped the spiritual, social and cultural identity of Kashmir.
Regarding Pakistan-India relations, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said he has dedicated his life to peace, dialogue and resolution of the Kashmir dispute. He said that he supported dialogue even at a time when those who advocated dialogue were accused of treason by India. He said they will not back down, adding his family made unparalleled sacrifices for the freedom struggle of Kashmir, but never compromised on their principles.
Mirwaiz said a new world order is being formed and it is clear that war is not a solution. He also welcomed the voices of civil society regarding India and Pakistan which are calling for peace and dialogue between the two countries. He said that there is a need to resume and take forward the dialogue like during the era of former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Dr Manmohan Singh.
He stressed that meaningful dialogue between India and Pakistan and between India and the Kashmiri leadership was essential for peace, dignity and a just resolution of disputes.
It may be noted that the Indian occupation administration has banned two books, “Personalities and Legends of Jammu and Kashmir” and “Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir” and has registered a case against their authors under black laws.
These books praise the Kashmiri Hurriyat leadership.
